There are numerous games offered when walking through the door of any casino. Some offer luck of the draw odds while others take a little more skill to play. Before placing a bet on the table, consider two things. One thing is the skill level, and another is the best odds for winning the game.

Blackjack

Among all the games in the casinos across the country, blackjack has the best odds. The house has an edge of only about one percent in these games. Blackjack only requires players to face off against one player, the dealer. Those that are experienced at blackjack know when to hold, hit, and fold in order to win. Those who do not understand the game quite so well should wait for a slow time at the table and sit down alone with the dealer. This allows for a learning period and the cards speak for themselves. Most dealers will gladly talk new players through the game.

Craps

The game of craps offers the second best odds of winning. This dice game offers players about a 50/50 chance at taking the money. This game can be intimidating at first as well. It looks complicated but just by watching players can quickly notice the premise of the game. The most important thing to remember is that you are only betting on the roll of the dice. There is no real skill needed to play this game.

Roulette

The roulette table is the third highest likely place to win some money. Here players enjoy a simple and relaxed game. The only thing that needs to be done is placing a bet on a number. The dealer spins the wheel and if your number comes up you win. If you bet on only black numbers or only red numbers, you have a 50/50 chance of winning. The highest payout comes if you bet on only one number at 36 to 1.

Slot Games

Slot games are possibly one of the worst odds in any casino. The house usually has a ten percent edge of winning. If you are a person who loves to play slots, there are a few things to remember. If playing a penny machine, odds of winning are higher if you bet the max, usually around fifty cents to a dollar, compared to playing only the minimum. Also, one dollar and five dollar slots pay out better than penny machines.

Keno

This is another game that is offered in many casinos. Again, no skill is needed as it is pure luck that takes home the winnings. In 2001, The Wizard of Odds, a casino odds professional researcher, did a survey. The survey showed returns for the keno games played in Las Vegas were around 65 to 85 percent. This means that the house took the money 20 to 35 percent of the time. This makes keno another undesirable place to put down any bets.

Before sitting down to bet, review which games have the best odds. Some games are pure luck, while other involve a little bit of skill. If looking to try your luck place your bets at a video poker or slot machine. When looking to use some skill

In the world of online casinos, gambling can be a fun and lucrative pastime. If you have any hope of winning more than you lose, however, you need to learn how to play the various casino games that are available online. You should also know which games offer better odds and a greater chance of payout. Once you understand how to learn casino games and which ones are likely to offer you the best chance of winning, you can visit the online casino of your choice for some gambling fun.

Have You Looked for a Casino That Offers Free Play?

One of the best ways to learn casino games is to practice. Of course, practicing with real money can be a risky endeavor. Ideally you should practice at an online casino that offers free play. Free play games allow you to try the games at the casino without risking any actual cash. While you won’t win real money when playing the free games, you can hone your skills and get a better grasp of the games before you play for actual cash. When deciding which online casino to use, look for ones that offer free versions of their cash games so you can practice before you put your money on the line.

Have You Looked for a Casino That Offers Online Tutorials?

Another great way to learn casino games is to take advantage of free online tutorials. To draw in casino patrons, many casinos offer free tutorials to visitors. These tutorials are likely to be tailored to the games at the specific casino that is offering the tutorial. Thus, the basics that you learn from the casino’s tutorial can often be used across the board and can be put to use at other online casinos as well. While simple games like slots usually won’t require a tutorial, you may want to take advantage of the tutorials offered for table games like blackjack and poker.

Have You Considered Joining Betting or Gambling Forums?

Internet forums can be a great resource for learning casino games. Forums that are dedicated to gambling and betting are usually filled with members who have a great deal of experience. If you find the right forum, the members of the forum will likely be more than willing to answer any questions you may have about playing casino games online. Just make sure you understand the basics of the game and politely ask any questions that you may have. If the forum members feel as though you haven’t done any research on your own or you aren’t polite when asking questions, they may not be so apt to help you when you need it.

Have You Looked Into Purchasing Game Guides?

If there is a particular game you are interested in, you may want to consider purchasing or downloading a game guide. From blackjack to poker and everything in between, there are game guides to help you learn almost every casino game out there. Not only will these guides teach you the fundamentals of the game you are interested in, they will also often go into betting strategies that can help you make the most of your winnings. You can find a number of game guides online. You may also be able to find them at your local library or at your local bookstore. Just make sure you don’t pay a lot of money for guides that promise to teach you how to beat the casinos. These guides can’t deliver on what they promise and are usually a waste of money.

Do You Have Friends Who Gamble Online?

Sometimes the best way to learn casino games is to learn from friends who already know how to play. If you have friends who enjoy spending time gambling online, they may be happy to teach you the ins and outs of the games they play. Not only is advice from friends free, it is also unbiased. Your friends will have no interest in getting you to gamble your money at a certain casino. This means they may also be willing to share their experiences with you, such as which casinos tend to have better odds, better bonuses, and better payouts.

Once you decide that you want to learn how to play casino games online, getting the information you need to get started isn’t very hard. The casinos themselves often have resources to help you learn the games you are interested in. Online forums and friends can also be great resources. Make sure you get your tips from a variety of resources rather than from just one website to ensure that you have a well-rounded learning experience.

Technology has made it possible to do virtually anything online, including casino gambling. Before you sign up and try to win big from the comfort of your own home, it helps to understand what can happen when you give an online casino your credit card information, try other payment methods. While it could be safe, it can also be a hassle that can cost you a small fortune. Knowing the dangers may make you change your mind about the idea.

It May Be a Long Tedious Process

Online casinos are an easy target for scammers. Any legitimate online casino puts measures in place that will make it very difficult to use your credit card for the first time. This can include phone calls to verify information, and possibly even faxing or emailing copies of identification and other information to prove that you are who you say you are. In some cases, you may not be able to actually get any money off your card for several days, and if they need follow up information, it could be longer.

You Can’t Use Debit Cards

In most cases, you can use your debit card anywhere you can use your credit card. An online casino is different. Most local banks don’t want anything to do with online casinos since the fraud rate is so high, so they simply don’t allow it. Not only that, it’s also not nearly as safe to use a debit card, where you can be liable for all fraudulent charges. Credit cards offer much better fraud protection, and you’re not out money while an investigation is pending.

You’ll Likely Pay a High Fee

Whenever you use your credit card at a regular casino to get a cash advance, you are charged a cash advance fee, and an online casino isn’t much different. Not only will you be charged a cash advance fee, but the charge will also go on your credit card bill as a cash advance. You’ll pay higher interest rates, and any payments you make will be applied to charges before cash advances, meaning you’ll pay those rates longer. Online casinos don’t always warn you of this, so do your research before you go through with a transaction.

Cashing Out May Be Difficult to Impossible

In many cases, if you win, you can’t put that money back on the same credit card you took it off of. This means you’ll need another method to cash out. If you think you can simply add your checking account, think again. Many banks want nothing to do with online casinos and this includes linking your account to accept deposits. Before you do anything, look at the casinos website and verify how you are supposed to get your money if you win. You may have to set up an additional account with a third party company, which is a risk you may not want to take.

You May Go Through a Lot of Hassle For Nothing

You may go through a lot of hassle and not be able to use your card. Many credit card companies, like banks, don’t want to deal with the high fraud rate that comes with online gambling, so they don’t allow it. Problem is, they don’t tell you this until after you’ve gone through the headache of setting up an account, verifying your identity, and anything else that goes with using your card. Do yourself a favor and call your credit card company before you begin to make sure that they’ll allow these types of transactions.

Gambling in a traditional casino can cause problems, but it’s nothing like using your credit card to gamble online. While a traditional casino has federal and state laws put into place to protect you in the event of fraud, you don’t get that same protection online. Many banks and credit card companies simply don’t want to deal with the hassle online gambling brings, and because of this, it can make cashing out if you do win next to impossible. Always use extreme caution if you’re going to gamble this way.

If you’ve never been to the casino, it can be intimidating the first time you try to make a bet. Learning how to bet is pretty simple, and the dealer of any game will teach you. The rules are different for every game though, so it helps to have some idea before you head to the table. Knowing how to make bets is easy, and once you know how, you’ll feel much more relaxed.

Slots

Slots are perhaps the simplest game at the casino to play, which is why they are also the most popular. Making a bet is as simple as buying a can of soda from a pop machine. Pick your machine, and then put your money in the dollar bill slot. The number of credits will light up based on the denomination of the machine you choose. If you put a twenty in a dollar machine, you’ll have twenty credits. Choose how many credits you want to bet at a time, or just press the maximum bet button. The reels will spin, and if you win, the machine makes noise or light up.

Blackjack

Blackjack is another popular game, and it’s pretty easy to make your bet. Choose a seat at the table. Each seat has a circle or square, which is where you’ll place your bet. Give the dealer your cash and he’ll exchange it for chips. There is a minimum and maximum bet allowed, and as long as you stay in between, you can bet any amount. Put your chips in the designated area, and wait for the cards to be dealt. Once the dealer has laid down the first card on the table, you can’t change your mind, so make your bet carefully.

Roulette

Roulette seems like a complicated game, but it’s actually pretty easy. The dealer spins the wheel, and a ball lands on a number. You’re betting on which number the ball will land on, but you don’t necessarily have to guess a number. You can place an inside bet, which is to guess a number or group of numbers. These pay the most money; the way to win the most money is to place your bet on the exact number that hits. If you want to gamble that the ball will land on black or red, or even or odd, these are called outside bets. They pay 2 to 1 if you win. It usually only takes a few spins to get it.

Poker

There are different kinds of poker in the casino, and betting for each one is different. For most games, you’ll need to place an ante on the table, and then you place more when you call each hand. For tournaments, you’ll need to buy in with cash before the game starts. You’ll play with casino chips for each game, and once you’ve place your bet, you can’t change your mind. The dealer will explain how to place bets for each individual game.

Keno

This easy to play game is popular in the casino because it’s slow paced and kind of relaxing. It’s often played in casino restaurants where waiters will place bets for you. The premise is simple. You’re given a card with 80 numbers. You choose 20 that you hope will be drawn randomly using balls that are similar to bingo balls. There are different types of bets. Similar to roulette, you can choose groups of numbers to win less money. In a straight bet, the more numbers you guess correctly, the more you win.

Betting can be intimidating until you learn how it’s done. It’s different for all games, and the dealer will help you or advise you if necessary. It’s never a good idea to attempt a game when you don’t know what you’re doing. Some games can be fast paced, and you can easily lose if you don’t know how to play.

One of the most important aspects of gambling is known as money management. Although it cannot increase your odds of winning, it can significantly impact your gambling experience. All successful gamblers have control of their finances. They do not allow the casino to manipulate emotional responses when it comes to their money.

Gambling Bankroll

You should always have a set amount of money that is exclusively for gambling. This should be recreational money that is not needed for living expenses. You should put this money in a separate account and gradually add to it as extra money becomes available.The amount of money for each gambling trip should be predetermined before you arrive at the casino. Divide that amount into session bankrolls. A session bankroll is a small fraction of your overall bankroll. This protects you from losing a large portion of your bankroll at any one time.

Gambling Log

Every time you gamble, you should keep a detailed log or journal for each session that you play. There are two main reasons for this. First, when it comes time to file your taxes, it is important to have a detailed account of your gambling results. If you are audited, the IRS will expect you to have this information. Secondly, you can’t manage your gambling money if you don’t have an accurate account of how you are doing. You need to know the results of every session so you can adjust your wagers accordingly.

Limit Gambling Session Time

Gambling can be fun and intoxicating, but it can also be mentally draining. One of the biggest mistakes recreational gamblers make is gambling too long. You should never gamble for more than two hours at a time. Your mind becomes fatigued and the decision making process becomes altered. You begin making poor choices. Make sure to take at least a 15-30 minute break after every two hour gambling session.

Pocket Gambling Bank

A recent innovation has made it much easier for gamblers to remain disciplined when it comes to managing their money in a casino. There are small steel banks, about the size of a credit card but thicker, that enable you to slide your winnings into the bank. Once your money is inside the bank, you cannot access it because the keys are to be left at home. Once you are home, you use the keys to unlock the gambling safe to retrieve the money. These pocket sized banks keep gamblers from losing all of their previous winnings back to the casino.

No Access to Additional Funds

Once you set a gambling bankroll for your casino visit, you should not have access to additional funds for gambling. Each gambling session should have a fixed amount of money that can be used. If that money is lost, the session is over and no more gambling should occur until the next session. If the entire trip bankroll has been lost, no more gambling should occur until the next visit to the casino. Taking out more money is not an option. Credit cards, debit cards, or any other source of funds, should remain at home where the money cannot be accessed while in the casino environment.

You cannot be a successful gambler over the long term if you do not utilize money management techniques. There is no gambling without money, and there is no money without money management. These five methods will help you stay in control of your finances when you gamble.

There are common mistakes made by many gamblers in casinos. Many of these mistakes result in greater financial loss for the player. Avoiding these errors can help gamblers keep more of their money. These aren’t tactical decisions as much as they are creating the right mindset. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment when you are gambling. These lapses in judgment can have a negative impact on your entire gambling experience.

Playing with “House Money”

Many gamblers refer to their winnings as the casino’s money or “house money.” This mentality can be dangerous. Gamblers that view their winnings as “house money,” run the risk of creating a false sense of security. It relieves the burdens of losing money. Suddenly, they have this “free” money and their gambling behavior becomes reckless. They feel there are no consequences if the money is lost because it really was never theirs. This thinking is flawed. Once you take possession of winnings it is your money. Casinos want you to feel like it’s their money so you will give it right back to them. Do not deviate from your gambling strategies because you are winning. Your goal is to leave the casino with more money than you came with. You can’t do that if you make poor choices because you falsely believe your gambling with “house money.”

Gambling to Escape

There are far too many gamblers that go to the casino to escape. Yes, gambling is a form of entertainment, and entertainment is a way to escape the rigors of ever day life. However, if you go to the casino in an attempt to escape reality, there is a good possibility you will be unhappy with the results. A casino is not a good place to forget about rational thought. You must maintain some level of discipline so you can enjoy yourself without sustaining a financial loss that you cannot afford.

“Chasing Losses”

Another example of gamblers altering their behavior based on results is “chasing losses.” This can be the most devastating behavior of all. There are gamblers that cannot handle the reality of losing money. Whenever they begin to lose, they start “chasing” their losses. They increase their wagers in an attempt to quickly regain the money they have lost. If the losses continue, the problem compounds itself. They begin a rapid descent into financial ruin. If you cannot handle financial loss and find yourself “chasing” your losses, do not gamble. Even highly skilled advantage gamblers know that losing sessions are inevitable. Once again, do not alter your betting levels to try and recoup losses.

A proper mindset is very important in a casino environment. These mistakes are repeated over and over by millions of gamblers around the world. Avoiding these mistakes will not guarantee you success, but it will hopefully keep you from heavy financial loss.

A sports gambling addiction is a serious problem. The main reasons the gamblers lose is not always just bad picks. There are a variety of reasons why the gamblers tend to lose more frequently when an addiction is brewing. The gambling addiction can cause the gambler to lose money, friends, family, and even their job. They are constantly looking for ways to even out their losses or to come out ahead, but many times, losing is inevitable.

Poor Money Management

Poor money management is a huge problem for those suffering from a sports gambling addiction. The gambler often makes impulsive bets, leading to a financial disaster. Betting half the bankroll, or throwing out a large bet on a game often times is an impulsive move that leads to a huge loss. Gamblers often double up on bets after they win, creating a huge problem when their bet does not come through. It is far easier to pick a winning team than it is to manage money, so often times the gambler starts placing disaster bets if they start winning.

Lack of Knowledge

Many sports bettors lack the proper knowledge to make decent bets. For those with a sports gambling addiction, they often know just enough to make them dangerous. Knowing football does not mean you are going to be able to make good football bets. Betting trends, handicaps, injuries, and other betting angles are the main factors in betting. The average bettor does not have as much time to invest in these stats as the professionals, making them a difficult trend to understand and actually make money with.

Too Many Bets

Many times, a compulsive gambling habit results in over betting and placing too many bets. The gambler starts betting on one game, then another, then another, until they are too widespread to come out ahead. Even if one of their bets comes through as a winner, the others that are placed absorb most of the bankroll. Those suffering from a sports gambling addiction often end up placing too many bets due to their addiction. The betting is compulsive, and even if the gambler knows the strategy is a sure loser, they still do it.

Online Gambling

Internet gambling has made it far too easy for a sports gambler to find action. With so many games being played around the world on a daily basis, the Internet has brought even more ways for the gambler to lose money. Online betting is dangerous; the betting lines create too much room for failure. With so many different places to drop money, a gambler with an addiction can lose everything in just minutes. Online gambling creates an opening for casino games as well, and with an addictive personality, the addict often drifts into that area as well.

Desperation

Desperation is a huge problem with addictive gamblers. The gambler begins to feel desperation when they see losses, especially huge losses. The desperation leads to bets made based on poor decisions. Large bets are often placed in desperation to try to break even, get money back, or come out ahead. These desperate bets are almost always a guaranteed loss, but the gambler is always hopeful of hitting it big.

A sports gambling addiction is a serious issue for millions of people. The large number of sports that are televised makes it even more likely for a casual gambler to quickly get in over their head. A friendly bet on the game is fine, but when you start gambling your mortgage money there is a serious problem brewing. If you believe you have an addictive personality, stay away from any form of gambling.

The phrase “going on tilt” is commonly used in reference to poker players. However, it is something that can happen to any gambler. Understanding the dynamics of what is occurring and how it can affect your gambling behavior are important to combat “going on tilt.”

“Going On Tilt”

Poker players are notorious for “going on tilt” after receiving several “bad beats.” A “bad beat” is when a player makes the mathematically correct play and is the statistical favorite to win, but loses the hand anyway. This happens to every player on occasion, but when it happens on a particularly big hand or over and over again, it can be emotionally devastating. The player is unable to rationalize the losses and begins to become unhinged emotionally. This in turn affects the player’s decision making process. Their play becomes irrational and their mood usually becomes angry. They begin betting wildly without control. These irrational decisions usually result in greater financial lose.

Emotional Control

Gambling can become problematic whenever emotional control is lost. This is not a problem that is limited to poker players. The difference between a professional poker player “going on tilt” and the average gambler is the assumption that the correct decisions were being made before the loss of control occurred. Regardless, it is the loss of control that is important. Even if a gambler is not making the mathematically correct decisions while gambling, as long as their rational mind is in control they are less likely to sustain financial loss that they cannot afford.

How to Avoid “Going On Tilt”

The biggest key to avoid “going on tilt” is limiting the length of each gambling session. One of the most common mistakes made by gamblers is gambling for too long a period of time. The longer the gambling session is, the more fatigued mentally and physically you will become. Gambling can be mentally exhausting. The emotional roller coaster, the highs and lows, all effect the decisions you make. When a session lasts for too long, you are more likely to lose emotional control and “go on tilt.”

Limit your gambling sessions to a maximum of two hours at a time. Ideally, you want each session to be around an hour and a half. Give yourself at least a thirty minute break between each gambling session. It is important that you remove yourself from the casino floor during this time. Don’t go hang out at the bar on the casino floor for thirty minutes. Go to your room, go for a walk, go to a show, but make sure you are away from the casino atmosphere.

casino tactics

Most businesses use different tactics to try and maximize their profits. The casino industry is no different. Casinos are notorious for implementing different strategies to manipulate gamblers into gambling more than they intended. They know that the more their customers gamble, the more likely the casinos will make money. This is due to the built-in house advantages on casino games. Gamblers need to understand these tactics so they will be less likely to lose control.

“Good Luck”

The next time you visit a casino, count the number of times casino employees say, “Good Luck,” to you. This may seem like a kind gesture, but there are hidden motives behind these remarks. The primary intention is to create a show of support. The casinos want you to believe they are on your side, that they want you to win. While it is true that they do want you to win occasionally because they know if you never win you will eventually stop returning, they do not want you to win consistently. If gamblers won consistently, there would be no casinos.The other reason behind the words, “Good Luck,” is a bit more subtle. It’s a common misconception that successful gambling is a result of luck. While it is true that short-term gambling success can be a result of luck, long-term winnings are a result of mathematics and skill. Casinos would much rather a patron rely on intuition when playing a game like blackjack, rather than statistically sound decision making. They know that knowledgeable gamblers that use mathematically sound principles can reduce the house edge significantly. Don’t rely solely on luck to dictate your gambling results. Learn the proper methods for the games that you are going to play, and use skill to lower the casino’s advantage.

Casino Layout

Have you ever been sitting at a machine or table game and get up to leave but before you reach the door you’ve sat down at another game? This happens all the time in land-based casinos. Gamblers get up to leave, but end up playing a different game before they can remove themselves from the casino environment. The casino industry is fully aware of this habit. That is why casinos are designed like mazes. There is no easy escape. You find yourself lost and searching for an exit. Meanwhile, a new game catches your eye and you decide to play. When you have reached your gambling limit, leave immediately no matter how long it takes to find the way out.

Lights, Bells, and Whistles

This tactic is common knowledge, but most people don’t realize how powerful it can be. Entering a casino for the first time can put you on sensory overload. The bright, flashing lights and the celebratory sounds bring an instant feeling of excitement. It makes you want to join the fun and be a part of the celebration. Enjoy the atmosphere but don’t let it overwhelm you.

This is only a partial list of tactics casinos use to influence behavior, but it should make you more aware of the environment you are in when you go to casinos. Use this awareness to maintain control of your gambling behavior.

Almost every casino offers some type of incentive for gamblers who gamble at their casino. Casinos know that by issuing complimentary benefits (“comps”) player loyalty is created and in the long run increases their financial bottom line. Knowledgeable gamblers know how to receive the maximum value out of their comps. Instead of allowing the incentives to negatively affect their gambling habits, they use the rewards strictly for their own benefit.

DO: Always Sign-up and Use Your Card

One of the biggest mistakes new players make is not signing up for a player’s card. Some feel their level of play is insufficient to receive any comps. This is a mistake. Many casinos will issue bonuses simply for signing up. Others will issue discounted food and room rates to even the lowest level players. Always sign-up as soon as you arrive at the casino and use your card for any game you play.

DON’T: “Chase Comps”

Casinos know that giving loyalty perks creates more long term revenue. If it didn’t, they wouldn’t do it. There are two main reasons for this. First, it encourages players to return to their casino so they can utilize the rewards that they have acquired. It also manipulates some players to “chase comps.” These players become so consumed with increasing their reward status that they gamble more than they intended. This allows casinos to take advantage of the built-in house edge. Never increase your level of gambling simply to increase your level of comps. Do not change your gambling habits to seek more rewards. Ultimately, this will have a negative effect on your bankroll.

DO: Enter Giveaways, Free Tournaments, and Other Promotions

Once you obtain a player’s card and gamble at that casino, you will begin receiving offers in the mail for free promotions. It might be an invitation for a car giveaway or to play in a free slot tournament. Once again, casinos know that these promotions will create more revenue than they will be giving away. They realize that most players in a free slot tournament will not come just for the tournament and leave. Most will stay for a few days and gamble freely while the tournament is not taking place. This increased level of play will more than offset their cost for the tournament. It’s OK to plan a casino visit around a free promotion, but do it on your terms. If the casino is close by and you do not have the finances to gamble, attend the promotion without gambling. This requires a bit of discipline, but use these opportunities for your benefit, not the casinos.

DON’T: Feel Indebted or Obligated

Gamblers must realize that they’ve earned these rewards and are in no way indebted to the casinos. This sense of obligation often makes gamblers become loyal to one casino even though there may be better opportunities elsewhere. Casinos also use the fear of losing rewards as a way to get gamblers to visit their casino more often than they intend.

The bottom line is casinos would not offer comps and rewards if it did not increase revenue. Your job as an educated gambler is to comparison shop and only utilize comps when they are to your advantage. Familiarize yourself with every aspect of the rewards program, and sign-up for as many different player’s cards as possible. The level of competition among casinos is so high that they are constantly offering new promotions and opportunities that you can use to your advantage.